Published: Saturday, July 6, 2013 at 4:57 p.m.

Last Modified: Saturday, July 6, 2013 at 4:57 p.m.

The New England Patriots are letting fans trade in their No. 81 jerseys for a different one on Saturday and Sunday.

The ex-Patriots tight end has been charged with the murder in the death of 27-year-old semi-pro football player Odin Lloyd. He has pleaded not guilty.

The Patriots released Hernandez shortly after he was arrested on June 26.

Team spokesman Stacey James says children love wearing Patriots gear but may not understand why their parents don't want them wearing Hernandez's jersey.

The jerseys must have been purchased at the team shop at Gillette Stadium or its online store.

The official Twitter handle of the team, @Patriots, tweeted on Saturday: "As of 5 pm, @PatriotsProShop has received nearly 1,200 Hernandez jersey exchanges. Most popular replacements: Wilfork, Brady, Jones & Ridley."

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